Is It Safe to Buy from TikTok Shop? Your Questions, Answered

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Keep these tips in mind before ordering off TikTok’s online marketplace
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Wondering if that sweet deal on TikTok Shop is too good to be true? Whether you’ve heard horror stories about fake items or stolen information, tons of users have questioned if TikTok Shop is legit. Here, we’ll address the most common questions folks have about it and let you know how to avoid scams and stay safe while shopping on TikTok. We’ll also tell you what to do if an item you bought turns out to be fake or doesn’t arrive at all. Read on to learn more!

Is TikTok Shop safe to buy from?

TikTok Shop is legitimate and generally safe to buy from. However, because it’s an online marketplace where items are sold by individual sellers, there may be fake storefronts or sellers. To avoid scams and dupes, look closely at the product description, read user reviews, and view return policies before checking out.

Section 1 of 8:

Is TikTok Shop legit?

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  1. TikTok Shop isn’t one official business—instead, it’s an online marketplace where each item comes from an individual seller. This means you face the same risks as when you shop from a site like Etsy or Depop. It’s important to look for fake storefronts and be careful of scams before checking out. [1]
    • TikTok uses machine learning models and algorithms to detect potential fraud cases, unsafe content, or violative product listings. [2] However, some fraudulent activity may slip through the cracks.
    • How safe an item is to buy on TikTok Shop depends on the seller—if it’s a small business where the items are hand-crafted and the reviews look real, it might be a safe purchase.
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Section 2 of 8:

Does TikTok Shop steal your information?

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  1. TikTok itself is a secure website that works to prevent unauthorized access to your data. [3] However, if a seller asks you to give them your bank information or take the transaction off the app, there’s a possibility your information may be stolen.
    • Even though TikTok sellers are vetted before they’re able to put an item online, some fake or misleading listings may make it to your TikTok Shop page.
    • For an individual seller to sign up on TikTok Shop, they have to be at least 18 years old and submit a valid passport and driver’s license. [4]
    • Corporate sellers have to provide their Business License, Certificate of Incorporation, Company Registration Certificate, and proof of eligibility to sell products on TikTok Shop. [5]
Section 3 of 8:

Why is TikTok Shop so cheap?

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  1. TikTok primarily makes money by taking a cut of the sales from sellers. They strategically place price drops and discounts to encourage buyers to keep shopping after their first purchase. This allows the company to make even more money after each sale. [6]
    • In April 2024, TikTok increased the fees they charge sellers from 2% to 6% of the price of each order, which may have increased the prices of the items in TikTok Shop. [7]
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Section 4 of 8:

Why does TikTok Shop have long shipping times?

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  1. Because TikTok Shop is an online marketplace, the location where the item ships from typically depends on the seller’s location. Sellers must deliver the item to the carrier within 15 days, but the time it takes for the carrier to deliver the package may vary. [8]
    • To find the seller’s location, click on the seller’s name under the name of the item in TikTok Shop. Their “Business address” is under “Seller information.” [9]
  2. When a customer places an order on TikTok shop, the seller can choose “Ship by TikTok” or “Ship by Seller.” “Ship by Seller” is only available for items requiring installation (like air conditioners) or special handling (like food or flowers), dangerous products like batteries, and bulky or heavy items. [10]
    • When they “Ship by Seller,” the seller has to package the item and ship it. TikTok requires these orders to be delivered within 15 business days after the order was placed.
    • If they choose “Ship by TikTok,” the seller has to package the item and give it to the recommended carrier or drop-off point 1 to 2 business days after the order is placed.
    • TikTok shipping also only uses FedEx, UPS, or USPS to ship their items, which may affect the shipping time. [11]
    • Seller shipping, however, can use FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, Amazon Logistics, AxleHire, Better Trucks, Deliver-it, GLS US, Lasership, Lone Star Overnight, OnTrac, Spee-Dee Delivery, TForce, or Wizmo. [12]
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Section 5 of 8:

Staying Safe While Shopping on TikTok Shop

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  1. Check that the seller has a verified checkmark and visit their website to make sure the information is the same on both platforms. [13] You can also type the name of the product into TikTok’s search bar to look for videos about the product. Other users may post if they’re duped by a seller. [14]
    • If a TikTok creator pushing the product has turned off their comments, it may be a red flag. Some creators turn off their comments to avoid complaints from unhappy buyers.
  2. Customer reviews are verified by TikTok and are generally trustworthy, so other users can tell you if they had any issues with the product. You can also do a quick Google search to see if the same product is on Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify, and read the reviews there to see if sellers recommend it. [15]
    • Even though TikTok Shop reviews are generally safe, there’s still a chance they may be fake.
    • Reviews for a product may be fake if they were all posted on the same day or if they have identical (or near-identical) phrasing. [16]
    • Click on the profiles of reviewers—if they always give 5 stars and use similar language for all their reviews, they may be fake or paid for by the seller. [17]
  3. Check the dimensions, material, return policies, shipping information, and other information about the item to make sure nothing seems out of place. [18] If you’re buying something you think is new, watch out for words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out,” which may indicate that the item is used or defective. [19]
    • For example, you may buy a mirror that’s advertised as full-size, but upon closer inspection is actually only 1 in (2.5 cm) tall. [20]
    • Read the return policy in the product’s details carefully before ordering it. Some items may not allow refunds and some sellers may charge a fee for returning an item. [21]
    • Try to only buy name-brand products directly from the manufacturer—secondhand sellers might offer duplicates for a low price.
  4. In general, it’s best to avoid going off-platform to buy from sellers you see online. [22] Real purchases on TikTok won’t redirect you to a site outside the app. If a link takes you off TikTok, it may be a scam. [23]
    • Trust your gut—if a TikTok Shop doesn’t feel legitimate, it may be best to keep scrolling.
  5. PayPal and other reputable online payment systems offer purchase protection programs that cover both buyers and sellers for most items. If you don’t get what you ordered or if you get something different than the seller described, you may be able to request a full refund, including the original shipping costs, by opening a dispute with PayPal. [24]
    • ApplePay and GooglePay may also offer purchase protections.
    • If you have to use a card, use credit rather than debit. That way, it may be easier to contest the charges and get your money back if the product is fake. [25]
  6. When messaging a seller, try not to share your complete credit card information, tax ID, or passwords. [26] In addition, no reputable shopping website will ever ask for your social security number or any other very personal information. If they do, it’s best to cancel the transaction. [27]
    • TikTok Shop’s support team will never ask you for these personal details. [28]
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Section 6 of 8:

What to Do If Your Item Isn’t As Described

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  1. Visit your TikTok Profile and tap on “Your orders” below your bio. Tap “Orders” or “View all” in the Order Center and select the item you want to return. Tap “Request return or refund,” then select the reason for your refund request. Choose “Free Return Shipping” or “Self-arrange,” then hit “Submit.” [29]
    • Reasons for your request include “Item doesn’t match description,” “Defective item,” “Fabric, material, or style not as expected,” and “Color or pattern not as expected.”
    • When you choose “Free Return Shipping,” you will get a prepaid shipping label or QR code through one of TikTok’s logistics partners. This is only for items weighing 70 lb (32 kg) or less and valued below $1,700.
    • “Self-arrange” means you will use your own logistics provider and pay for the return shipping fees out-of-pocket.
  2. Your request will be reviewed by TikTok Shop and the seller. If it’s approved and you chose “Free Return Shipping,” drop off your item at TikTok Shop’s preferred logistics provider. If you chose “Self-arrange,” ship the item and upload the tracking number to TikTok’s system. [30]
    • Most refunds are issued 5 to 7 business days after TikTok receives and processes your return.
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Section 7 of 8:

What to Do If Your Item Doesn’t Arrive

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  1. Make sure the package wasn’t placed by a garage, a patio, a side door, or a front or back door. If you still can’t find your package, contact UPS or USPS to see if the package is running late or if it was accidentally marked as “Delivered.” You can find the shipping provider in your order information. [31]
    • USPS: 1-800-275-8777 or email an inquiry
    • UPS: 1-800-742-5877 (or 1-800-833-0056 for those who are hard of hearing) or email an inquiry .
    • Additionally, check to make sure your address was entered correctly in your order. If it’s incorrect, contact the shipping provider.
    • Check with the people in your household and your neighbors to ensure they haven’t accepted the package.
  2. To make a request, go to your TikTok profile and tap “Your Orders” under your bio. In the Order Center, tap “Orders” or “View all.” Select the item you ordered, then tap “Request return or refund.” Choose “Package wasn’t received” as the reason for your return, then tap “Continue.” [32]
    • After you hit “Continue,” a pop-up will ask you to contact TikTok Shop Customer Service. Click “Contact us” so they can process your request with the seller.
    • If the refund period of 30 days has passed, you still may be able to open a request under TikTok Shop’s Buyer Protection Program 90 days after the delivery date if your item is eligible. [33]
    • Return requests for returnable items (any item that isn’t a food, beverage, supplement, trading card, collectible, or pre-owned object) will be auto-approved by TikTok Shop. [34]
    • If your item is non-returnable, the seller will have 48 hours to review it. If they take no action after that period, TikTok Shop will auto-approve the request. [35]
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Section 8 of 8:

What to Do If You’re Scammed on TikTok Shop

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  1. Visit TikTok’s regional Seller Center support page and select “Operation” > “Shop operation” from the drop-down. Choose the specific issue your problem relates to (you can choose “Product,” “Order,” “Affiliate,” or “Promotion”). [36]
    • Explain the issue in detail in the “Provide details” box, then enter your email address and name (optional). TikTok’s support team will follow up using the email address you enter.
  2. If you’ve accidentally given away your credit card information or if there is an unauthorized charge on your account, call your card issuer’s customer service. They may be able to cancel your card or remove any charges you didn’t approve. [37]
    • Bring screenshots or print-outs of your conversations with TikTok Shop as supporting documentation, along with any other proof that you did not authorize that charge.
    • Customers typically have 60 days to dispute a transaction, but this time frame may vary depending on the provider.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-avoid-tiktok-shop-scams
      2. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/transparency/en-us/shop-safety-2023-2/
      3. ↑ https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/tiktok-facts-how-we-secure-personal-information-and-store-data
      4. ↑ https://seller-uk.tiktok.com/university/faq?content_id=6451211347920642&role=seller&identity=1
      5. ↑ https://seller-uk.tiktok.com/university/faq?content_id=6451211347920642&role=seller&identity=1
      6. ↑ https://www.distractify.com/p/why-is-tiktok-shop-cheap
      7. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-shop-era-of-super-subsidies-is-ending/
      8. ↑ https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=8308896260065025&role=1&course_type=1&from=search&identity=1
      9. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/
      1. ↑ https://seller-ph.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=7654197957052161&default_language=en&identity=1
      2. ↑ https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=2921116620719915&default_language=en&identity=1
      3. ↑ https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=2921116620719915&default_language=en&identity=1
      4. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-avoid-tiktok-shop-scams
      5. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/18/how-tiktok-shop-safely-scams/
      6. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/08/18/how-tiktok-shop-safely-scams/
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/money/customer-reviews-ratings/how-to-spot-fake-online-reviews-a1345282053/
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/money/customer-reviews-ratings/how-to-spot-fake-online-reviews-a1345282053/
      9. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021812
      10. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/how-to-avoid-tiktok-shop-scams
      11. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/article/peak-dupe.html
      12. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021817
      13. ↑ https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/27901-dont-fall-for-this-online-seller-trick-when-buying-handmade-gifts
      14. ↑ https://saferinternet.org.uk/blog/what-is-tiktok-shop-staying-safe-when-buying-online
      15. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-payments/how-to-safely-pay-for-goods-and-services-with-someone-you-dont-know/
      16. ↑ https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/27901-dont-fall-for-this-online-seller-trick-when-buying-handmade-gifts
      17. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021812
      18. ↑ https://lifelock.norton.com/learn/internet-security/safe-online-shopping
      19. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021812
      20. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021817
      21. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021817
      22. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021813
      23. ↑ https://business.tiktokshop.com/us/blog/detail/10021813
      24. ↑ https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=3253210454181634&default_language=en&identity=1
      25. ↑ https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=3253210454181634&default_language=en&identity=1
      26. ↑ https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=3253210454181634&default_language=en&identity=1
      27. ↑ https://seller-uk.tiktok.com/university/essay ? identity=1&role=1&knowledge_id=7110346616506145&from=policy
      28. ↑ https://time.com/personal-finance/article/how-to-dispute-a-credit-card-charge/
      29. ↑ https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/9/14/23872449/tiktok-shop-for-you-page-ads

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